Impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on wound healing and the management of complications in diabetic ulcers: integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69849/2c8b4488Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic foot ulcer, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Wound healing, Diabetic footAbstract
Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern due to its high prevalence and socioeconomic impact, with diabetic foot ulcers being one of its most severe complications. This study aimed to analyze the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on wound healing and the management of complications associated with diabetic ulcers through an integrative literature review. The search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, including studies published between 2015 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. A total of 10 studies were included. The findings indicate that HBOT, as an adjuvant therapy, significantly enhances tissue oxygenation, stimulates angiogenesis, modulates the inflammatory response, potentiates antimicrobial activity, and promotes collagen synthesis. Improvements were observed in healing rates, reduction of infection burden, and decreased risk of major amputations. Despite its clinical benefits, the incorporation of this therapy still faces challenges related to protocol standardization and cost-effectiveness evaluation. It is concluded that HBOT is a promising strategy in the treatment of diabetic ulcers, especially in refractory cases, and should be integrated into multidisciplinary care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Júlia Vieira Pontes, Lara Cristina Cócolo Resende, Virgínia Branquinho de Morais, Raquel Lunardi Rocha, Edmar Geraldo Ribeiro (Autor)
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